The difference between a pressure regulator and pressure relief valve

What is the difference between a pressure regulator and a pressure relief valve? In this blog, Fluid Controls outlines the purpose of each valve to help you decide whether you need a pressure regulator or pressure relief valve for your application.

What is a pressure regulator?

A pressure regulator works to control the pressure within an application. By adapting the inlet pressure levels, it maintains a steady outlet pressure. The regulator is reactive to the pressure of the liquid or gas and alters as necessary.

What is a pressure relief valve?

The purpose of a pressure relief valve is simply to relieve the pressure levels in a system when they reach a certain set point. The valve opens to ease the building pressure by allowing it to escape, then the valve closes when it has returned to a stable level. The main function of a pressure relief valve is to act as a safety device on a system, to prevent accidents by opening and providing a point of release.

The difference between a pressure regulator and pressure relief valve

The difference between a pressure regulator and a pressure relief valve is that relief valve is a safety feature, used as a last stop measure to prevent any accidents. Whereas, a pressure regular works within the system to maintain a steady pressure level the entire time.

Taking this into consideration, there is still a similarity between them, as they both work as a means of controlling the pressure levels. The regulator is a function working continually to keep the pressure controlled, whilst the relief valve comes into play when the pressure needs to be stabilised and pulled back to a normal level.

Pressure relief valves and pressure regulators from Fluid Controls

At Fluid Controls, we have a wide selection of pressure regulators available for an array of applications. Whether you are looking for a filter, back pressure or instrumentation regulator, our comprehensive range will cover it. For pressure relief valves, we stock the Parker HPRV series relief valve, for its wide pressure range and precision.

For guidance on whether you need a pressure regulator or pressure relief valve for your application, talk to the team at Fluid Controls today. Call us on 0118 970 2060 or email us at fluid@fluidcontrols.co.uk and we can help you understand the difference between a pressure regulator and pressure relief valve.

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